JOHN VIOL DAI SHIHAN MENKYOKAIDEN

John Viol Shihan is the Seishinkan USA and Kyoto Japan chief instructor. John Viol Shihan
began his martial sciences career in 1967. He lived in Japan and Okinawa for nearly
20 years while he trained, tested, and earned his martial science
licensure. In 1991 at a special ceremony
in Kyoto, John Viol was awarded the highest level proficiency
license one can achieve in the classical martial sciences - the
Menkyokaiden. He is currently celebrating his 42nd year of non stop hard
core warrior training.

Viol Shihan was classically trained in bona-fide warrior martial
sciences. His achievements in the martial sciences involved validation
through the menkyosei - the original warrior licensure system. During
his long stay in Japan, Viol Shihan also earned many very high rankings
in several modern civilian / "Do" arts like Karatedo, Judo, Aikido, Kendo, etc. however,
his involvement in those arts was primarily an exploratory and
information gathering process.

In an article by the Japanese press about Viol Shihan, it was stated
that no other westerner has been responsible for or done more to promote
and preserve the original classical warrior systems outside of Japan. It
stated further that no other westerner has done more to open the
doors for westerners to gain acceptance and exposure to the very
reserved classical martial science systems.

In the coming days, much more information about John Viol Shihan and
his remarkable career will be featured here. A great deal of information
regarding John Viol Shihan is being received from many people around the
world. As the information is sorted and organized, we will post some of
the highlights here.

John Viol Shihan receiving Menkyokaiden in Kyoto Japan 1991

John Viol Shihan Martial Career Highlights Compiled by I. Noguchi

Began martial sciences career in 1967

Lived and trained in Japan / Okinawa for 20 years - since 1977.
Spent some time in Korea

Trained with and consulted members of US, Japanese, and
Korean Military / Police forces

Served 3 terms in Japan as an Uchideshi - live in student - 24/7
professional training

Received full time around the clock mentoring to become
professionally licensed instructor

Nicknamed Kazan (Volcano) by the Japanese press for his
explosive volcanic fighting nature

Not just an unbeatable fighter, he also won Kata, weaponry,
and Enbu divisions

First person in North America to earn Toyama Ryu rank and
instructor grades - 1977

Learned Toyama Ryu from Japanese Military officers on
Japanese military bases

First person / Dojo in North America to receive commission
to instruct Toyama Ryu

Most senior western authority on Toyama Ryu

Presented with commendation from a member of the Japanese
Imperial family at a Toyamaryu grand meeting

First and only non-Japanese to be admitted into elite Yagyuryu
martial disciplines

Honored to have been requested to perform special sword
ritual at Yagyu clan grave site - the first foreigner to have
been asked. Event was covered by the Japanese media

One of the only non-Japanese to own and operate a full time
martial Dojo in Japan.

His Dojo in Japan offered a full range of Sogo training,
swordsmanship, and cultural exchange programs recognized by
city and government authorities. Classes were attended by a
great many Japanese and students / instructors from many
countries.

In 1997, Viol Shihan was awarded the title of Cultural Ambassador
in Japan.

This honor was for his role in the promotion and
preservation of classical martial sciences as well as for
his cultural exchange contributions.

Appointed the sole United States representative for the All
Japan Sogo Bujutsu / Budo Federation.

Elected Chief technical advisor for the International Martial
Sciences Federation IMSF.

More highlights will be added soon

Classical martial AND modern tactical training
is the true Warrior wayJohn Viol at Camp Perry shooting AR-15 by Knight's Armament

John Viol Shihan In Person

John Viol Shihan travels around the world as a cultural ambassador
representing and instructing authentic classical martial sciences. You
or your group can bring much recognition by hosting / sponsoring an
event presented by John Viol Shihan. Events presented by Viol Shihan
generate much attention. Events are announced through a very large
martial network. Participants at his events travel great distances to
gain exposure to the unique technologies he can offer. The majority of
participants are very senior level practitioners that know the value of
the information being offered providing everyone in attendance with an
outstanding experience.

Viol Shihan possesses specialized knowledge and historical truths
that only a classically trained and menkyo licensed instructors can
attain. This specialized information is not available to the common
martial arts practitioner. Consider the opportunity to gain exposure to
this type of information and learn from someone of this caliber who is
willing to bring it to your location. All events are custom formatted
and personalized by Viol Shihan and his assistants. John Viol Shihan is
available for: